Medical Marijuana for Patients with Anxiety Disorder in Pennsylvania

Anxiety disorders are the most common and pervasive mental disorders in the U.S. Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, in any given year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Anxiety patients can qualify for medical marijuana. Visit our Pennsylvania page to know more about applying for a medical marijuana card.

Overview and Statistics of Anxiety Disorder in PA

An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorders at some time in their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. For U.S adolescents, the lifetime prevalence of any anxiety disorder is 31.9%.

The Pennsylvania State News reported that an alarming percentage of Pennsylvania’s youth suffer from mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

In a 2019 report where 239,340 students from 419 Pennsylvania school districts participated, 38% of all students indicated that they felt depressed or sad most days.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. It usually involves a persistent feeling of apprehension or dread that doesn’t go away and that interferes with how you live your life. Oftentimes, it is consistent, even if there is no immediate threat.

Basic Information About Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders arise when worry gets out of control. It is feeling extremely worried or nervous about other things even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. People who have generalized anxiety disorder find it difficult to control their anxiety and stay focused on daily tasks.

Types of Anxiety Disorder

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

It is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry, and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.

2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

It is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts or obsessions and/or repetitive behaviors or compulsions performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away.

3. Panic Disorder

It is an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear Type of Anxiety Disorder - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) accompanied by physical symptoms that may include:

  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal distress

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

It is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal where grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.

5. Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder

It is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations.

It can be limited to one type of situation or it can be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.

Causes of Anxiety Disorder

  • Family history – OCD can be passed down in a family
  • Stressful events – life events like childhood abuse and neglect, the death of a loved one, stress at the workplace, troubled relationships, being attacked, or witnessing violence
  • Health issues – ailment, especially chronic diseases like some heart, lung, and thyroid conditions
  • Substance abuse – heavy use of drugs, alcohol, and other substances when the effects of the substance begin to wear off
  • Personality factors – perfectionists or people who like to be in control
  • Brain chemistry – faulty circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions

Impact on Lifestyle of Anxiety

People suffering with anxiety disorders sometimes find it hard to get through the day. They can struggle with physical symptoms like stomach aches and headaches.

Many with anxiety disorders avoid situations or they may not take advantage of opportunities like social situations, travel, and promotions, because their excessive worry hinders them. Some with severe anxiety have difficulty carrying out even the simplest daily activities.

However, when the anxiety level is mild to moderate, they can function socially, and continue to have full, meaningful lives while being gainfully employed.

Overview of Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

When a person has a generalized anxiety disorder, he or she worries too much for most days for at least 6 months about everyday routine life circumstances, school, work, and social interactions.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders from the National Institute of Mental Health include:

  • Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
  • Being easily fatigued
  • Having difficulty concentrating; mind going blank
  • Being irritable
  • Having muscle tension
  • Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
  • Having sleep problems

Types of Anxiety Disorder Treatments

There are many treatments to manage the symptoms of anxiety disorders. The typical treatments include medication and therapy or counseling.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered an effective treatment for a range of anxiety disorders. It aims to alleviate symptoms by helping adjust unhelpful thought patterns, beliefs, and behavioral patterns of avoidance.
  • Several types of drugs are used to treat the symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor can give you antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and beta-blockers to help you relax.

Prevention of Anxiety Disorder

Here are some recommendations:

  • Learn about the disorder Anxiety Disorder Treatment
  • Cut down on foods and drinks that have caffeine
  • Don’t use alcohol and recreational street drugs
  • Eat right and exercise
  • Get better sleep
  • Learn to relax
  • Keep a journal
  • Manage your negative thoughts
  • Getting together with friends
  • Seek support

When you feel that you are struggling to cope, learn what causes or triggers your stress and what techniques can work for you before your stress turns into an anxiety disorder. It may take trial and error to discover what’s best for you.

Medical Marijuana and Anxiety

The highest levels of anxiety and depression were reported as the pandemic relentlessly persists. The trend in mental health in the U.S. continues to get worse with anxiety disorders as one of the causes of prevailing mental illness.

Patients experiencing an anxiety disorder can qualify for medical marijuana. If you want to get access to a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania, we can help you get started through our HIPAA-compliant application on our platform online.

You can also give us a call on how to get started with the application.

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